The 2008 Ford Focus SE is a relatively easy car to maintain, and a good choice for the average car owner. Checking the transmission fluid level is no problem, as the fluid dipstick is easily accessible in the engine bay. Not every model includes this dipstick. The brake fluid reservoir is easily visible in the engine bay. This will allow you to check and replenish the fluid level with reliability. The oil drain plug is easily accessible beneath the vehicle. This will allow you to complete an oil change much more quickly.
Some things are more problematic on the 2008 Ford Focus SE. The headlight is complicated to access. You will have to peel back the grille, which is very complicated to navigate and work with. You will have to remove multiple panels in order to remove the tail light housing for access to the bulb. This would have been easier if there were a designated panel in the rear of the vehicle for access. The engine air filter is more complicated to access than usual. You will need a few tools you may not have readily available for a repair.
Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road.